It’s an air of urban sophistication that awaits you at Mish Mash, the new central city eatery and bar that’s opened its doors at the corner of Manchester and St Asaph. Head in under the yellow sign and you’ll find yourself in a slick, relaxed lounge atmosphere, flanked on either side by post-quake Christchurch cool – on one wall a vibrant street art-style mural, and on the other an stylish arrangement of wooden pallets.

The name’s not just random – Mish Mash blends a variety of influences from around the world in a unique, heady mix. The menu is an international smorgasbord, and the tempting cocktail list follows suit; keep it Snoop-Dogg-simple with Gin & Juice, a sharp combo of fresh orange, grapefruit cordial and Martin Millers gin snazzed up with Cloudy Bay Pelorus sparkling, go troppo with Loco For The Coco and its blend of Matusalem White rum, pressed pineapple, coconut cream, kaffir lime leaf, and lemongrass, or get into the mash-up swing of things with East Meets West – banana-infused Chivas 12yr Scotch whisky (yes, you heard us), cardamom, mango and citrus.

Staying local, you can order from a solid wine list dominated by the Waipara region, or get the pints in from a select list of top craft beers from Canterbury, Wellington and beyond. Get it all back to your table with some of the satisfying bar snacks on offer (the international hodgepodge continues with the likes of onion bhaji, house croquettes and Southern fried chicken), settle in for the long haul, and give fervent thanks for globalisation!

Basking in the sun with a cooling sea breeze and stunning views out across the port – Freemans' celebrated deck is one of Christchurch’s top spots for a summer tipple.

Literally minutes from the city but miles from care in portside town Lyttelton, this Italian institution combines hearty home-made fare (their zucchini fries and gnocchi with pan-fried chorizo are worth walking over the Bridle Path for!) with lush house-made sodas, fine Nelson wines and perfectly chilled beers dispensed from their funky new bar.

A brightly coloured mural courtesy of local artist Wongi brings the port action right up on the deck, while on Sundays, live music from local jazz legend Carmel Courtney and friends from 3.30pm ends the weekend on the perfect note – just get their early as the tables are gobbled up as quickly as the exquisite fare.

Dappled sunlight dances across our table, bouncing off our cutlery and strobing in our frosted glasses of beer as a welcome breeze bothers the leaves of the ancient pepper trees above. It’s one of those own-the-moment carefree lazy Sunday afternoons where impromptu catch-ups with friends over a few beers in the sun forge on into the early – and then late – evening.

The sun-drenched courtyard of Heathcote institution Valley Inn Tavern is humming with the casual, laidback vibe that, try as many might, cannot be contrived; you’re equally as likely to find yourself rubbing shoulders with the silver-haired Harley riding set, long since moved-away former locals returning to the watering hole of their youth, or occasionally, the Crusaders.

Dating back to 1877 and re-calibrated/reborn under husband and wife team Dean and Genaea Calvert following the earthquakes, the Tavern maintains roots with its strong history by way of its time-tunnel type restaurant entrance (including some menacing shots of Dean in a former life as a professional boxer) and its now famous, vertigo-inducing glass-topped bar leaner atop its historic well – the sole surviving structure of the original establishment. (If heights make you dizzy, take Google's virtual tour, first.)

If the Tavern’s history is rich, then its menu is legendary. With former Volcano Café head chef Rob Dickey rattling the pans in the kitchen, there’s some serious, mega-portioned gastro fare on offer. Among the usual suspects, including an all-day breakfast menu that runs to 9pm, you’ll find a trifecta of killer homemade pies (the beef, mushroom and thyme on our visit was totally boss), bodacious scallops in bacon, the aptly-named Flintstone rib eye steak, a mouthwatering warm lamb salad, and, for those in the know, go-to favourite warm niçoise and salmon salad. We tap the seafood platter – perfect for sharing, it’s an epic ocean fest where succulent prawns and tender calamari join ocean-fresh battered fish, mussels and some next-level cold-smoked salmon. It’s primo washed down with sips of frosty Tiger beer off the tap.

Rocking a traditional English pub interior through its front and main bars and restaurant, potted historical photos decorate the walls and make for interesting reading, while an extravagant living art display courtesy of the neighbouring florists Aromaunga Baxters Flowers adds an explosion of colour. But on days like today, it’s all about the courtyard.

A destination pub to be sure, but then all the best places require just that little bit of effort.

Expect the return of languorous, sunny summer arvo sessions in the city following the opening of Dux Central on the 16th of September. Reborn on the old Twisted Hop site in Poplar Lane, Dux De Lux redux Dux Central combines the elements of its much-missed predecessor with a few new aces it has up its sleeve.

The four-bar venue comprises Dux De Lux replacement Brew Bar, an earthy, London-esque craft beer-topia that features a sunny courtyard and timber bar where you’ll find old favourites like Black Shag and Ginger Tom on tap – and they’re just part of a bodacious selection (175 to be exact) of craft beers stocking an expansive, three-storied beer fridge (some top shelf entries crack the $70 mark!).

Next door, swank sophistication reigns supreme at the Emerald Room, where jewel tones, black and gold and slick feature wallpapering all ups the city’s overall wine-bar-glam levels – dress accordingly Cityscapers! You can expect 1920s speakeasy-fuelled cocktails and swagger at neighbouring standalone venue The Poplar Social Club, where a black-tiled bathroom sets the suitably broody scene.Upstairs, the king hit that is Upper Dux provides a funky sun-drenched /after dark space (which can also be booked for private functions). Featuring a deck with serious attitude, it’s lit by huge pendulous light globes.

All three Dux venues share the same gastro-style fare and alongside the aquatarian classics (think mussel fritters, pumpkin and goats’ cheese arancini balls and crab dogs) are a host of new, meatier offerings including duck croquettes, beef empanadas and crispy chicken tacos.

In order to recreate the vibe of old, Dux Central will be introducing chilled sunset DJs from 5pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the Brew Bar courtyard. The music will taper off at 7.30pm, but the fire up again later in the evening upstairs at Upper Dux with a dancier beat.

Flanked by a towering cigar chomping, steel-eyed possible dictator or cartel runner mural on one wall and a stunning, tangerine "April Sun in Cuba"-style panorama on the opposite one, it’s clear we’re not in Christchurch anymore.

With the aim of bringing a slice of Havana to the central city, the team behind Baretta have not only hit one out of the park with their spanking new cabana of cool that is The Cuban, but also seriously upped St Asaph Street’s swag in the process.

The next level transformation of the now unrecognisable former St Asaph Street Kitchen & Stray Dog Bar features an epic covered courtyard studded with stand-around gas fire-cum-bar leaners for brisk winter arvos and evenings, with the option of raising the roof (or retracting, if we’re being technically correct) for hot spring/summer nights.

In the main bar/restaurant the Cuban fury continues, and with so many Latin artefacts and trinkets on display (including a clever missile disguise for an air-conditioning duct) you eventually simply give up looking, knowing you’ll clock something new on your next visit.

Resplendent with rum, of course, (there were 45 different brands when we visited, but this is increasing on the daily) a mojito is a prerequisite (if you can wean yourself off the Cuban Laga, that is) and the Cartel Mojito doesn’t disappoint. The classic mix of rum, mint, fresh lime wedges and sugar syrup is muddled to perfection – leave the car at home, because you won’t be able to stop at one (seriously), and you won’t be fit to drive after two!

Eats wise, tasty Cuban street food with a kick is the order of the day, with choices ranging from tapas highlights Jalapeno Pork Crackle, must-try Popcorn w/ Chocolate and Papa Rellena w/ shrimps n (totally boss) house hot sauce to the more substantial Pulled Pork Tostada and the bangin’ Arroz Imperial (feisty Achiote chicken with cheese and mayo on rice). Mean-as Churros with salted caramel sauce are the perfect note to finish on while the mysterious Taste of Cuba – ‘coffee, rum n cigar’ is a treat best discovered for yourself. Viva la Cuban!

]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)Drinking @Fri, 14 Aug 2015 09:14:26 +1200Enter the Dragonhttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/eating-drinking/drinking/entry/enter-the-dragon
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/eating-drinking/drinking/entry/enter-the-dragonThere's an air of sophisticated Hong Kong cool about the Dragon's Den Social Lounge, the new venue from Andrew Brown now open at 367 Colombo Street, right next door to his iconic Burgers & Beer store down SOMO way. The Cityscape crew sashayed along to opening night, and were suitably impressed!

Clean lines and moody after-dark cool are emphasised by the lighting system, which has a few tricks up its sleeve. The dark furnishings and fittings are all set off by some striking art pieces:

It's all very swanky indeed. Furthermore, notable Chch mixologist James Andrew Lawton is slinging the drinks (including the likes of the Figural Effect cocktail featured in the Winter issue of Cityscape) and there are eats on offer that will be a cut-well-above your standard pub food fried basket (honey-roasted figs with soft feta, toasted macadamia and Serrano ham, anyone?).

Check out the Den's Facebook page for more, or better yet, head along to scope the place out for yourself!

The SOMO district continues to blossom with the arrival of Town Tonic, the latest offering from the folks behind Passengers & Co and Taste Events / The Christchurch Farmers’ Market. Slotted neatly into the bottom floor of the new Moore Stephens Markhams building on the corner of Lincoln Road and Bernard Street, Town Tonic paints a picture of sleek modern cool and meticulous precision with its clean lines and dark wood and fabrics, gleaming black tiles, and a splash of lime to set things off.

If you’re peckish you can tuck into some of their sophisticated, elegantly-constructed sharing plates (the Grecian charms of their braised lamb shoulder with green olive, pistachio, tabbouleh and yoghurt is the Cityscape favourite), but the bar is reason enough to visit on its own. You’ll find a choice range of boutique beers (and cider) on tap (and in bottles), as well as an excellent selection of New Zealand wines, and the staff also know their way around a cocktail shaker. With AMI Stadium just up the road in one direction and the Court Theatre just around the corner in the other, it’s the perfect place to drop in for a pre- or post-show or game drink, or drop in for a classier-than-usual nibble with your after-work drinks.

]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)Drinking @Fri, 30 May 2014 14:50:52 +1200Hot In The City - Victoria Streethttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/eating-drinking/drinking/entry/hot-in-the-city-victoria-street
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/eating-drinking/drinking/entry/hot-in-the-city-victoria-streetAnyone serious about their dining and drinking will have already spent some major time trawling Christchurch’s über nightlife hotspot, putting in some quality hours at the likes of Smash Palace, Carlton (not technically in Victoria St, but well within range), Cruz Bar, King of Snake, Mexicano’s, Tequila Mockingbird, Harlequin Public House (just out of the Victoria St line on the corner of Salisbury and Montreal Streets), and Mashina Lounge. Bar and restaurant owners aren't content to rest on their laurels, though – the options for your night out along Vic Street just keep increasing. The reborn The Bog is now back on the scene (after its quake-imposed hiatus) bigger and better than ever, joining the cocktail-cool of The Dirty Land from Tony Astle. Mr Astle is also set to re-open his pre-quake Thai favourite Chinwag, again down – you guessed it – Victoria Street.

Getting from one end of this inner-city hospitality highway to the other in just one evening is becoming an increasingly tough challenge – but it's one we’re always up for!

Carlton

Tequila Mockingbird

King of Snake

]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)Drinking @Thu, 29 May 2014 14:02:17 +1200Havana Nightshttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/eating-drinking/drinking/entry/havana-nights
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/eating-drinking/drinking/entry/havana-nightsChristchurch’s little slice of Italy, Baretta bar and restaurant, is all set to go troppo when it moonlights as the Havana Club Embassy Bar over two coming weekends.

From Thursday 27 March, and then again the following weekend from Thursday 3 April, Baretta party goers are set to experience a little Latin fever with an offering that Fidel himself would be proud of.

Things kick off with the launch party on Thursday (27 March) at 6pm featuring a feisty mix of Latin music from the Doc Sanchez Trio, Cuban canapés, and (of course) lashings of Mojitos and other Havana Club cocktail specials. (Mmm, we love us some Mojitos.) The Embassy Bar will continue to rock out over the rest of the weekend, so bust out that white linen suit or slinky cocktail dress and head down to stand coolly by the bar and live out your James Bond or Bond Girl fantasies.

The weekend starting Thursday 3 April will again feature the Embassy Bar in action and wrap with the Havana Club Rum Bartenders Ball on Sunday, a private function where bartenders from around the country will gather. However, Baretta will still be open to the public and hosting the Ultimate Sunday Session as the conclusion to festivities, featuring DJ entertainment, bar personalities from across NZ, and a general carnival atmosphere!

So while you’ve got some time, dig out that Buena Vista Social Club CD, break out the cigars and get stuck into some light reading with The Communist Manifesto – you’ll want to get yourself in the right headspace so you can unleash that Cuban fury on the dance floor.

You’ll find The Dirty Land’s interior awash with heavy red curtains, exposed brick walls, tactile wallpaper and moody lighting, care of guttering candles and some seriously covetable fixtures hanging under a gnarly, pressed ceiling. It’s like walking on the set of a David Lynch movie, only better – because you're there, and perusing a swanky cocktail list that rounds out an impressive and imaginative drinks menu.

It goes without saying the drinks are killer; those with a taste for the bittersweet should tap the twist-on-a-classic that is the TDL Negroni, while the Blood Passion’s lacing of Belvedere vodka with passionfruit and blood orange makes for some primo drinking. Feeling adventurous? Check out the Guest Cocktail, a weekly offering from the friendly, black-clad (natch) alchemists rocking the bar.

Framed Day of the Dead art links the venue's lineage with neighbouring sibling venue Mexicano’s – which provides the eats (via a pared-back menu), while the beats are kept low-key, allowing for easy conversation into the small hours.